THE FAMILY of a two-year-old girl from Thornbury fighting for her chance to walk are appealing to the public to join their £80,000 campaign.

Esmé “Ezzy” Hodge was born 11 weeks premature and diagnosed earlier this year with Cerebral Palsy, a condition that limits the use of her legs and left arm, requiring her to use a walking frame or wheelchair.

As a result, her parents Angela and Matt have founded the “Ezzy’s Wish to Walk” campaign, aiming to raise the sum to send her to America for a revolutionary surgery and physiotherapy that could see her take her first steps.

Despite not yet having held a fundraising event, the campaign has already raised around £3,000 since it was launched around Halloween, with an impressive display in Rangeworthy, featuring Pumpkin the giant spider helping to raise awareness.

“It would be a dream to see her take her first steps, to have the kind of independence we all take for granted,” said Ezzy’s mum Angela.

“When you have a child you live for all the milestones like crawling and the first steps. These things however we may never see if she does not undergo this treatment, and it would be heart-breaking if we cannot help her have a normal life.

“We are anxious to get her the treatment she needs before she starts school, it will be easier for her if she is going into full time education the same as everyone else.

“As she grows, the condition would cause her pain. At the moment she is fine but as her bones grow it will have such an impact on her quality of life.”

A string of events are set to take place to raise money for Ezzy, including a sponsored skydive being led by England and Downend boxer Natalie Craig, and donations to be made from events hosted by Gillingstool Primary school and Ezzy’s pre-school Rainbow Teddies.

Bristol gymnastics club Bristol Hawks, where Ezzy’s half-sister and former GB gymnast Amy Sharp works as a coach, will also be fundraising next month through their annual showcase event, which will feature performances from all the age groups who

“We want to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for the donations we already have,” said Ezzy’s dad Matt.

“When we first heard about needed £80,000 for the treatment, we were scared. But when people are coming up to you and handing you money for the funds, it really gives you hope.

“With all the fundraisers people have been putting together, it is overwhelming to know people are supporting her like this. It gives us hope that we can get her the treatment she needs to have a normal life.

“We will be eternally grateful to anyone who can contribute in the future, whether with donations or events.”

To find out more about the campaign, or to donate, visit www.ezzyswishtowalk.co.uk